This interview is with Jamie Frew, CEO at Carepatron.

Jamie Frew, CEO, Carepatron

Jamie, welcome to BusinessIncome.net! Could you tell our readers a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an entrepreneur?

Thank you for having me! My journey to entrepreneurship has been shaped by a passion for technology and a desire to create meaningful change, particularly in healthcare. I started my career in talent management and organizational psychology, working with global companies like Alexander Mann Solutions, ANZ, and Telstra. Through these experiences, I developed a deep understanding of how businesses operate and the importance of people-centered leadership. The turning point came when I recognized the inefficiencies in healthcare, particularly in the way administrative tasks were burdening practitioners and preventing them from focusing on patient care. This realization led to the founding of Carepatron in late 2021, where we set out to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare. Our mission is to improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency by providing practitioners with tools that streamline their work, allowing them to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork. The journey hasn't been without challenges, but I've always believed that innovation and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles. It's this drive that continues to fuel our work at Carepatron as we seek to empower healthcare professionals and enhance the patient experience through technology-driven solutions.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did those experiences shape your entrepreneurial path?

In the early stages of my career, one of the most significant challenges was building credibility while managing large-scale projects in complex, highly-regulated industries. Working in talent management and human resources, I often found myself in situations where quick decision-making was critical, but ensuring compliance and maintaining trust within the team was equally important. These experiences taught me the value of building strong relationships and maintaining transparency, even in high-pressure environments. Another challenge was learning how to effectively balance short-term operational goals with long-term strategic thinking. Early on, I sometimes focused too heavily on immediate outcomes, only to realize that sustainable success comes from forward-looking strategies. This lesson greatly influenced how I approach leadership at Carepatron, where we emphasize not only solving today’s problems but also creating scalable, long-term solutions that align with our mission to improve healthcare. These experiences shaped my entrepreneurial path by highlighting the importance of balancing agility with foresight, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining trust—values that are now at the core of how we run Carepatron.

You've spoken before about the importance of 'mindful entrepreneurship'. How can entrepreneurs balance their financial goals with ethical considerations and social responsibility?

Mindful entrepreneurship is about balancing profitability with purpose, ensuring that financial success aligns with ethical considerations and social responsibility. At Carepatron, we've prioritized improving healthcare accessibility and empowering practitioners, demonstrating that purpose-driven decisions can lead to long-term financial success. Trust and autonomy are key to this balance. By giving team members ownership of their work, you foster innovation and ensure that ethical decision-making happens at every level. When people feel empowered, they are more committed to both financial goals and upholding the company's values. Transparency also plays a vital role in maintaining this balance. Open communication about how decisions align with both financial and social objectives fosters trust, while measuring success beyond profits—considering factors like customer satisfaction and social impact—ensures the business remains purpose-driven.

Building a strong team seems crucial to your approach. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out and looking to build their core team?

Building a strong core team is one of the most critical steps in establishing a successful business. My first piece of advice for entrepreneurs is to prioritize hiring people who align with your values and the mission of your business. Skills can be taught, but passion for the company’s vision and a shared sense of purpose are what truly drive long-term success. Second, foster a culture of trust and autonomy from the beginning. Give your team members ownership over their work, allowing them the freedom to make decisions and innovate. At Carepatron, we’ve seen that empowering employees to take charge of their responsibilities leads to greater accountability and creativity, which are essential in the early stages of growth. Lastly, focus on creating a collaborative and supportive environment. A strong team thrives on open communication and mutual respect. As a leader, ensure that your team feels heard, valued, and part of the journey. When people feel invested in the company’s success, they’re more likely to go the extra mile to help it grow.

You mentioned investing in the right people from the beginning. What are some key traits or qualities you look for when hiring for a startup, particularly in those early stages?

When hiring for a startup, particularly in the early stages, I prioritize candidates who not only bring the right skills but also align with our company culture and mission. One of the key traits I look for is adaptability. Startups evolve quickly, and it's essential to have people who can thrive in a dynamic environment, handle uncertainty, and wear multiple hats as needed. Another critical quality is initiative. I seek out candidates who show a proactive approach to problem-solving and can take ownership of their tasks without needing constant direction. In those early stages, every team member must be a self-starter, willing to step up and contribute in meaningful ways. To ensure that new hires will fit well with the team, we take a multilevel approach to assess rapport. Beyond technical interviews, we include collaborative exercises where potential hires interact with different team members to gauge how they communicate and work in a group setting. We also encourage informal conversations to get a sense of their interpersonal dynamics. This helps us understand not only their technical capabilities but also how well they'll integrate into our culture of trust, autonomy, and collaboration.

Managing cash flow is a major hurdle for many new businesses. Can you share a specific example of a time when you had to make a tough financial decision for your startup and the lessons you learned from that experience?

Early on at Carepatron, we faced a pivotal financial decision regarding where to allocate limited resources. We were at a stage where we could either invest heavily in marketing to drive quick growth or focus on expanding our team with the right talent to ensure long-term scalability. Despite the pressure to show immediate traction, we chose to invest in building a strong core team. This decision meant delaying some short-term gains, but it was essential for laying a solid foundation. By hiring individuals who aligned with our mission and brought diverse skills, we were able to build a team that could not only deliver on current projects but also adapt as the company grew. The lesson here was clear: Investing in the right people may not always provide instant results, but it leads to sustainable growth and better decision-making across the board. In the long run, this choice paid off as our team’s expertise and dedication became the driving force behind our success.

Let's talk about fundraising. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs seeking funding for their startups, especially in a potentially challenging economic climate?

In a challenging economic climate, fundraising can be tough, but there are strategies that can increase your chances of success. First, focus on building a solid, compelling narrative around your business. Investors need to understand not just what your product does, but also the problem it solves and the long-term value it provides. At Carepatron, our mission to improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency resonated strongly with investors who cared about both impact and returns. Second, be strategic about the timing of your fundraising. Ensure that you’re showing tangible progress—whether it’s user growth, market traction, or product development milestones—before seeking investment. Investors are more likely to commit when they see evidence that your business is on a growth trajectory, even in uncertain times. Finally, be selective about the investors you approach. It’s important to seek out investors who align with your mission and values. This is especially true in tough economic climates, where having investors who share your long-term vision can provide invaluable support beyond just capital. The right investors will believe in your vision and provide guidance to help navigate challenges, ensuring a strong partnership for future growth.

In your experience, what are some common misconceptions about entrepreneurship that you think need to be debunked?

One of the biggest misconceptions about entrepreneurship is that success happens quickly and in a straight line. In reality, the journey is far from linear, especially in a startup. Volatility is a natural part of startup culture, and entrepreneurs need to be prepared for highs and lows. There will be moments of rapid growth, but also periods of stagnation or setbacks, and understanding this can help you better navigate the entrepreneurial path. Another misconception is that entrepreneurs must always be in 'hustle mode' to succeed. While hard work is certainly a part of the process, constant hustle without taking time to reflect can lead to burnout. It's crucial to balance intensity with mindfulness, allowing space for creative thinking and long-term planning. At Carepatron, we've learned that sustainable growth requires a focus on both execution and the well-being of the team. Lastly, some believe that once funding is secured, the hard part is over. In fact, securing investment is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in executing your vision and adapting quickly to changes in the market. Being agile and responsive to volatility is key, as startups rarely unfold according to a strict plan. The misconception that entrepreneurship is all about a single success point overlooks the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate the ongoing challenges of building a business.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your own entrepreneurial journey and in the future of entrepreneurship as a whole?

Looking ahead, I'm most excited about continuing to drive innovation in healthcare through Carepatron and helping to shape the future of digital health. There's still so much untapped potential in how technology can transform healthcare delivery, making it more accessible, efficient, and personalized. I'm particularly eager to explore new developments in AI and automation, which will further empower practitioners to focus on patient care while reducing administrative burdens. As for my own journey, I have no plans to retire. Entrepreneurship is a lifelong pursuit, and the constantly evolving landscape keeps me energized. I'm driven by the desire to keep learning, adapting, and solving new challenges. The beauty of entrepreneurship is that it's never static—there's always an opportunity to innovate and create lasting impact. In the broader entrepreneurial world, I'm excited by the growing emphasis on purpose-driven businesses. The next generation of entrepreneurs is increasingly focused on not only achieving financial success but also addressing social, environmental, and ethical concerns. This shift toward creating businesses that leave a positive mark on the world is something I'm deeply passionate about and look forward to being a part of as entrepreneurship continues to evolve.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

If you're interested in learning more about the work that we do at CarePatron or in connecting further, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or explore our website.